Oasis Senior Advisors
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Dementia is a term meaning the decline of cognitive abilities. Though the human brain experiences a small amount of typical cognitive decline in late adulthood, dementia is not a typical part of natural aging. Multiple types of dementia exist and impact people differently; Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and affects millions of older adults in the United States. Over time, these diseases progress and impact the individual’s memory and functioning.
Although dementia and Alzheimer’s disease impact many people, even more people feel their effects. Dementia patients must increasingly rely on long-term care services, and the diseases cause cognitive and behavioral changes that reshape how the patients interact with family members. These articles help educate Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and their families about this group of diseases, offering insight, education, and resources.
Why Is My Loved One In Denial About Their Dementia?
We know mom has dementia, that’s already been diagnosed. We watch as her ability to care for herself declines right before our eyes. We see her forgetfulness and confusion, but now, to make matters worse, she is refusing medical care and treatment. Does she realize she needs help? Does she know she’s ill? Why can’t […]
Ethically Caring for Patients with Dementia and Similar Disorders
Registration now open for June 23 CEU event: Physicians, nurses, social workers and others who assist elderly patients daily are guided by the ethical principles of their professions. These codes of ethics share a similar purpose: to provide a set of values, principles and standards for decision-making and professional conduct. A code of ethics holds […]
Everyday Tips for Memory Loss
By Nyaka Mwanza Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating are common and often accepted parts of getting older, and not necessarily a sign that something serious is wrong. Sometimes, though, forgetfulness and memory issues can be a sign of a bigger health problem, such as lesions in the brain. Brain lesions are a type of damage due […]
Identifying Delirium vs Dementia and Choosing Appropriate Interventions
by Amanda Barbera, BSN, RN, CSA Whenever a senior is not thinking clearly, is forgetful or acting out of character, friends, family and caregivers generally assume that the senior may have dementia. Though these symptoms are all common signs of dementia, they are also very typical symptoms of delirium. Dementia and delirium appear very similar, […]
Working with a Certified Dementia Practitioner
by Beth Friesen, RN CCM CSA CDP CADDCT Seniors living with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia experience a unique aging journey, as memory loss affects every aspect of their day-to-day lives. Certified Dementia Practitioners® (CDPs) are specially trained and equipped with a unique knowledge of the memory loss community, and seniors and their […]
Dementia Friendly Home Modifications
Dementia Friendly Home Modifications Did you know that the living space design can actually help someone with dementia function at a higher and more comfortable level? Senior living apartments containing certain thoughtful design elements and up-to-date technology can make someone who struggles to function at home live more safely and confidently. If you would like […]
How To Get Someone With Dementia To Take Their Meds
How To Get Someone With Dementia To Take Their Meds Have you noticed that people with dementia often feel they’ve lost control over their lives? They may often be confused, and rather than expressing that, they present as angry or stubborn. If you know and love someone struggling with dementia, you may be grappling with […]
Music to their Years!
By Brian Hauenstein, OSA Greater Grand Rapids For someone living with dementia, the distant memories are often the most familiar, rather than events that happened earlier that week, or even that day. This reality can make it difficult for friends and family members to connect with their loved ones. However, there is a universal language […]
The Impact of Multiple Transitions on Dementia Patients
By Kelly Wilsey When Susan, an 87-year-old woman with dementia, lost her husband of 53 years, her daughter Kate wanted Susan to have a safe and secure environment, and welcomed Susan into her home. For Kate, it was the only decision that made sense. Susan was incredibly involved in her children’s lives, and Kate wanted […]
The Impact of Multiple Transitions on Dementia Patients
By Kelly Wilsey When Susan, an 87-year-old woman with dementia, lost her husband of 53 years, her daughter Kate wanted Susan to have a safe and secure environment, and welcomed Susan into her home. For Kate, it was the only decision that made sense. Susan was incredibly involved in her children’s lives, and Kate wanted […]